Chapter 8.5
They watched the flame approach faster than a man can run. As it drew closer they eyed each other both thinking the same thought, the elementals and the tests they administered were growing more difficult. Neither of them were looking forward to the upcoming encounter, but neither were they thinking about backing down. They would meet this fire elemental and succeed or perish. They turned with resolution to face the upcoming elemental.
They were both therefore surprised when they saw a man, a warrior walking up to them. He moved in the fluid stance of Silver Willow In The Wind. The only indication that this was more than a man were his eyes. The didn’t just burn with fire, they were fire. He continued his movement to the two until he was within attacking distance and then he stopped. At his side were the twin swords which he had yet to draw.
Katashi glanced over at Jaala who had already drawn his sword. Katashi deftly slipped the pin inside his cloak and put his hand to his sword and drew it quickly and easily holding it in a ready position. Silence fell heavily as the three stared at each other. The warrior who had walked up to them was dressed in obsidian colored armor of very fine workmanship. It was beautiful without being ornate, highly functional but in a way that only enhanced the beauty rather than detract. Katashi quickly thought that such a suit of armor would indeed be priceless and just as quickly banished the though. Envy was not a sin he sought to entertain, certainly not at a time like this.
It was the warrior who first broke the silence. “My other two brothers you may have defeated, but you will not get by me. Even you two, as skilled as you may think you may be with the blade, are no match for my skills. Unfettered by the limitations of a human mind I can move at the perfect speed of thought. Once you have started a journey down this valley though you cannot retreat. I therefore give you a choice. Kneel before me now and I will make your end swift and painless. Your death will still be honorable.”
It was Jaala that responded and in doing so surprised Katashi.
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